'Consumer confidence' and growth rates currently big news in UK. Basically, the economy, or at least the numbers used to measure it at present, depends on people borrowing money to buy stuff.

"Living within your means" is almost impossible (housing) and regarded as somewhat unpatriotic. Strange times.

Back to OA specifically: I take it that the emphasis on transport access implies long commutes to jobs? Any research on the impact of commute time on social factors?